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Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license.

Regulatory Sunset Review - HB5576

This legislation amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to require the existing sunset report process collects and provides comprehensive and specific information about the need for licensure, the licensing process, and the equity concerns arising from personal qualifications, such as the cost of training and continuing education and whether such requirements are suitably addressing public safety. The bill provides guidance for the report’s recommendations of modifications to licensing rules that will lower barriers for applicants but still address genuine public safety concerns, including a list of regulatory tools other than licensure, like registration or certification, disclosures, or insurance requirements. The bill does not usurp legislators' ability to make the final determination regarding a license.

License Information Task Force - HB5575

This legislation creates a task force that includes representatives from low- and middle-income licensed occupations along with a mix of academics, advocates, administrators, and legislators. The goal of the task force is to collect, centralize, and analyze data from IDFPR about low- and middle-income licensed occupations and evaluate licenses using an equity and access lens. The legislation provides that a final report will be published and provided to the General Assembly with recommendations about increasing equity and economic opportunity. With this comprehensive information, legislators can target reform efforts to preserve public safety while removing unnecessary requirements.

Insights Archive

Legislation to Help Black Owned Businesses Receive a Fair Share of State Contracts

By mrevis@sbacil.org | January 8, 2021

READ H.B 2629 HERE TAKE ACTION Black Owned Businesses Deserve Access to Government Contracts Illinois has failed Black and African American owned businesses by failing to provide them access to state contracts.  For too long, they have been denied a fair share of state contracts and revenue.  Legislation has been filed to ensure Black and…

Small Business Community Provides Senator Murphy Crucial Input on Business Interruption Grants

By patti@sbacil.org | January 6, 2021

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Laura Murphy conducted a meeting with the Small Business Advocacy Council, small business owners and local chamber executives to discuss their experiences with Business Interruption Grants.  Many attendees expressed concern and frustration regarding the manner by which BIG grants were awarded.  Communication breakdowns impacted small businesses and left them hanging in…

Meet the SBAC Interns – an integral part of the SBAC Team.

By patti@sbacil.org | January 5, 2021

  Meet the SBAC Interns – an integral part of the SBAC Team. In 2020, we were fortunate to have more than 15 interns supporting our small business initiatives at the SBAC. Hear why they chose to be part of the SBAC Community. And thank you to them all.   Please translate this page to…

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